Seeney approves $1b Gold Coast development

The Jewel development at Surfers Paradise was called in by the State Government in July because of opposition from two neighbouring property owners.

The Master Builders Association had appealed to the Government to intervene in the dispute so it did not end up in a prolonged legal battle.

Mr Seeney said he took great care in arriving at his decision to approve the development.

“I did not rush this decision, and I extended the decision timeframe in order to make sure I was making the right decision for the community and the state,” he said.

“There is a billion dollar investment at stake here and more than 3,000 jobs were riding on the outcome – the jobs of the 2,500 construction workers and the 670 hospitality staff and other workers who will build, operate and occupy this development.

“It will provide new business opportunities in the local area and contribute to growing and stimulating the tourism and construction industries.”

The proposed development on Old Burleigh Road consists of three high-rise buildings including a resort hotel, apartments, office and some retail.

The project had previously been approved by the Gold Coast City Council.

Assistant Minister for Planning Reform Ian Walker says the development was too important to be tied up in the courts and rather than follow the normal process, Mr Seeney called it in and approved it.

The development will be subject to 124 conditions including that the resort hotel be built first, and measures are taken to reduce a potential noise impact on neighbouring properties.

Mr Seeney’s decision cannot be appealed in the Planning and Environment Court.